Battle of Lewisburg Living History and Re-enactment, May 16-18, Lewisburg.

Become a part of the Civil War era at the Battle of Lewisburg May 16-18. The Battle of Lewisburg Heritage Committee will host interactive presentations that will interest the entire family. Activities include discussions with President Abraham Lincoln, General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant, carriage rides and tea with Mrs. Lincoln. Ghost tours also will take place. For more information, visit www.battleoflewisburg.org or call 304-645-2154.

Railroad fans from across the nation will gather at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park May 16 - 18 for the 2008 Cass Railfan Weekend, three days of historic railroading fun with steam and diesel engines. This year’s main event will feature the re-creation of historic operations of vintage diesels and geared steam locomotives together at the town site of Spruce, a former pulp mill town of the early Twentieth Century. Many activities are planned throughout the weekend, and reservations are strongly suggested. For a complete listing of events and ticket prices, as well as lodging options, please visit online www.msrlha.org/rfw.html or call 1-800-225-5982 and ask for Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

Armed Forces Day Parade: May 17, South Charleston.

Show your support for America’s military at the 49th annual South Charleston Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday, May 17. The parade kicks off at noon along D Street. Frank Buckles, the only known living, American-born veteran of World War I, and Maj. Gen. Allen E. Tackett will serve as parade marshals. A free reception is scheduled for Friday night at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. To register for the reception, call 304-746-5552. For more information, visit www.southcharlestonwv.org.

This day-long, chili-making, chili-tasting event is sanctioned by the International Chili Society, and includes live entertainment, as well as an arts and crafts fair. To find out more about the Smokin’ in the Valley Extreme Chili Cook-off, contact Canaan Valley Resort at 1-800-622-4121, or visit the Web site at www.CanaanResort.com.

Sheep to Shawl Day: May 17, Prickett’s Fort State Park, Fairmont.

Spend a fascinating day at Prickett’s Fort State Park on May 17 for the annual Sheep to Shawl Day. Watch how sheep are sheared, and then see the various processes involved in preparing the wool, including carding, spinning and weaving. Regular admission prices apply - $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 55 and up, $3 for children 6-12, and free for children under six and for members. For more information, call 304-363-3030 or visit www.prickettsfortstatepark.com or www.prickettsfort.org.

Matewan Massacre Re-enactment: May 17, Town of Matewan.

Experience the events of May 19, 1920, as volunteers re-enact the events surrounding the bloodiest mine battle in history that pitted striking miners against detectives hired to break the labor union. There will be two re-enactments this year, one at 11 a.m. and a second at 3 p.m. For more information, call Donna May at 304-426-6512.

This annual festival features a carnival, pageant, sporting events, exotic animals, vendors and live entertainment. This year, the festival hosts the “Echo Cup,” a national chainsaw wood-carving competition where the winners go on to compete in the national competition in New Mexico. The Echo Cup takes place Friday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.bluefieldchamber.com or call 304-327-7184.

Vandalia Gathering: May 23-25, State Capitol Grounds, Charleston.

Every Memorial Day weekend, the Vandalia Gathering takes up residence on the state capitol grounds to celebrate mountain music with fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar contests outside during the day and indoor concerts in the evenings. Be sure to bring your lawn chair or blanket and make your own “best seat in the house” for the outdoor contests and the can’t-miss Liar’s Contest. Vendors sell their wares and some of the best festival food in the state. This year’s events start on Friday, May 23 and continue through Sunday, May 25. For more information, visit www.wvculture.org/vandalia/ or call 304-558-0162.

The West Virginia Wine and Arts Festival will take place Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 on the lawns of the famous Boydville Estate in downtown Martinsburg. Scheduled activities include events for children, music, wine, food, and of course, art. Samples of many West Virginia wines will be available, including wine from Jones Cabin Run Vineyards in Tanner, Kirkwood LTD in Summersville, Lambert's Vintage Wine in Weston, Potomac Highland Winery in Keyser, and West-Whitehill Winery in Moorefield. Bluegrass and jazz musicians also will be performing. Admission is $15 per day and includes all entertainment and a wine glass. For more information, visit www.wineandarts.com or call 304-263-0224.

Spring Garden Tour: May 24, Adaland Mansion, Philippi.

Ladies in historic costumes will accompany you on a walk through the gardens of Adaland. Here you’ll find everything from heritage roses, herbs and perennials, to a butterfly garden and an iris garden. Refreshments, including special teas and fresh-baked pastries, will be sold. Spring plants and herbs also will be offered for sale. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.adaland.org or call 304-457-1587.